It seemed every track used to end their season with a 200 lap finale. Why? We had the Daniel Boone 200 (Reading), Sammy Shine/ Flemington 200, Eastern States 200 (Orange County), Fulton 200, Lebanon Valley 200 and Schaefer 200 at Syracuse (did I forget any?). The purses for these events couldn't have been that big to offset the cost of running 200 laps. Was it because it drew outsiders we didn't get to see at a regular show? I'll admit I went to many Flemington 200s but none of the others. 

- David

There was also the Fonda 200. I've been to them all except for Reading (closed before I ever got a chance to go) although I did get to one Daniel Boone 200 when it moved to East Windsor after Reading closed.  I've been to a ton of the Eastern States 200's at Orange County, 2 of the Shammy Shine 200's, 2 of the Fonda 200's, one Victoria 200 at Fulton, one Lebanon Valley 200, and one Syracuse Dirt Week. At one time I believe the money was a factor but part of it was the bragging rights of beating the best of the best. These days I would find it hard to believe you could even make a profit as a driver/owner as the tires, fuel, pit fees for the team, and wear and tear on the engine is super expensive. And that's just if you come away with no damage. JMO.

I would bet it was kind of an ego thing with the tracks. I like the 200 lappers, but today there are only three drivers making a living at racing dirt modifieds.  Their owners are'nt though. The big pay days are important to these drivers, but only if they win. There are half a dozen other guys trying to do it as a living, but also do other things to make money.

The 200's are a testament to longevity, which makes it unique. Strategy and A LOT OF LUCK plays into it. Stew won the Eastern States 200 this weekend by LUCKILY getting a flat right rear just before the 100 lap pit break.  He was running fifth, got a flat, came back out 30th, 8 laps later at pit break, he moves up to third.  We had it kind of in the plans, but were not going to execute it at that point. I like the pit breaks for one reason, me being safer on a very uncontrolled, bad surface, pit road and changing a right rear.

BTW, Stew was winning that race no matter what happened. LOL

Even more luck, forgot to mention, the transmission granaded going into turn one after the checkers.

I attended several Flemington 200s and have to admit that I enjoyed.  Back then, obviously the purses weren't the amount they are today, but I'll bet the total cost of was way lower than today.  In those Flemington races you had plenty of "low buck" guys.  In today's  events even the "low buck" guys have a ton invested in their hot rod.  Here's a thought on cost, do these racers who only run locally really need a tractor/double stacker trailer?  Maybe I'm missing something.  Scott Ely  

Super Dirt Week when it was a 100-lapper was the prestige of all the teams competing from different areas at a neutral location. It was similar to the Super Bowl, World Series, and the Daytona 500 for Modifieds. Unfortunately, Glenn Donnelly increased the number of laps twice over the years.  Smaller car counts eventually began once they extended the race with mandatory pit stops. 

I think you could apply it similarly to the other tracks a higher-paying race with the local races competing against the invaders. Hold a big shindig the fans and families will come to watch. 

Racers in the day may have earned a decent buck if they had a chance to win besides bragging rights. This area is/was home of the 200 lappers. Even around the country, big events like the World 100, Knoxville Nationals, and other similar races have the same draw.  Even the Freedom 76 has the same effect. Plus it puts extra dollars in the promoters' pockets. 

The mention of stacker trailers by Scott never makes sense to me for the teams racing one night a week. Or maybe used a few times a year to travel to another track in a local area. I can understand the use for professional teams competing in multiple mid-week shows outside their home area. The smaller teams act they they are trying to keep up with Jones. A Stacker Trailer has never won a race. Just my opinion. 

There has always been “transportation inflation”: You flat towed. The big boys had a trailer. You got a trailer. The big boys had a ramp truck. You got a ramp truck. The big boys had an enclosed trailer. You got an enclosed trailer. The big boys have a stacker/toter.

As a spectator, also being married to a writer of a column for years, it was the allure of seeing drivers we didn't see at the usual tracks we frequented. Was always great to have New York or Delaware drivers head to Flemington Speedway for a 200 lapper...and then there was Syracuse, my favorite. Great memories for sure.

I personally think it was just seeing all the regulars plus the addition of many hot shoes from other tracks.  I thought is was neat to see so many great drivers at my home track.  Here is the Reading Eagle article & box score from the first Boone 200 (66).  I was in attendance with my Mom.  Keep in mind, this was only the qualifiers.  There were a number of drivers who didn't make it in....

I always loved “live pit stops”…. I loved the strategy of when to fuel and how to out think your opponents. I loved the radio communications between driver and crew. There’s very few things I didn’t like about the 200 lap races. 

Thanks for posting these terrific photos every Tuesday -always look forward to seeing them 

Just a note: the $3200+ that Ploski won in 1966 is equal to approx $ 31,000 in today's value 

I think that the original idea behind the 200 lappers was that it was an endurance race for the machine as much as a speed contest like a 30 lapper.  In 1966 when Stan won the first Daniel Boone 200, the cars were built from junk yard parts and they were not designed to go that distance.  Look at the box score and see what big names finished down the standings, probably after breaking.